Better Place, an EV services provider, has launched a switchable-battery electric taxi demonstration project in partnership with the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, and Nihon Kotsu, a taxi operator in Tokyo.
The 90-days project will lead to a complete system test of all components of the company’s electric vehicle systems in Israel before year-end.
For the Tokyo electric taxi project, Better Place and Nihon Kotsu will operate three switchable-battery electric taxis, which are available to the public at the taxi line reserved for environmentally-friendly vehicles on the first floor of the Roppongi Hills Complex.
Better Place worked on the design, engineering and conversion of the gasoline powered, crossover utility vehicles turning them into electric taxis with switchable batteries.
The batteries for these cars are provided by A123 Systems. Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry has commissioned Better Place to conduct the Tokyo project based on the company’ demonstration in Yokohama last year, the company said.
The Tokyo battery switch station features the integration of battery storage and charging with optimal thermal management capabilities. The Tokyo switch station also features nearly continuous operation of switching batteries for the three vehicles while optimizing battery life and performance, which can be monitored in real time online, according to Better Place.
Better Place said that battery switch delivers an ‘instant charge’ – a fully charged battery in less time than it takes to fill a fuel tank with petrol or recharge via other charging methods while 20-30 minute quick charge is impractical for such use.
The duration, durability and robustness of the battery switch process and battery resistance to degradation will all be demonstrated under actual operating conditions with vehicles that operate nearly continuously and thus drive much more than average passenger vehicles.
By year-end, Better Place plans to test all components of its system in Israel as the company continues to gear up for commercial launch in Israel and Denmark in late 2011. The complete Better Place system integrates charge spots, in-car software, operations centers, cars, and batteries, in addition to switch stations.